35 scientists to receive NWO Vici grants worth 1.5 million euros

23 February 2018

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded 35 scientists 1.5 million euros each to conduct research in the coming five years. Vici is one of the largest grants for individuals in the Netherlands and targets advanced researchers. The funding enables the scientists to set up their own innovative line of research and put together their own research group.

The scientists conduct research in different fields. Indeed, the Vici grant gives scientists the freedom to propose their own research project for funding. The Vici laureates will examine whether parents ‘can get under their children’s skins’; whether their upbringing can change children’s gene expression. Another line of research will examine how exposure to racist messages can influence one’s own (unconscious) prejudice. One laureate hopes to contribute to sustainable food production by examining how plants use temperature signals to control flowering time and to optimize reproduction. The Vici will also be used to develop a roadmap to improve (robot-driven) prostrate surgery. These are merely a selection from the various research topics.

Statistics

Of the 233 proposals, 88 (38%) were submitted by women and 145 (62%) by men. Overall, 10 female and 25 male candidates were awarded a grant. The award rate is therefore 11 and 17 per cent respectively.

The Talent Scheme: about the Vici grant

The Vici grant is intended for highly experienced researchers who have successfully demonstrated the ability to develop their own innovative line of research and can act as a coach for young researchers. Vici provides researchers with the opportunity to build their own research group, often in anticipation of a tenured position as professor. The Vici grant is one of three types of grant in the Talent Scheme. The other two are the Veni grant (for researchers who have gained their doctorates within the last three years) and the Vidi grant (for experienced postdocs who have received their doctorates within the last 8 years).

Programme

Contact

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) funds top researchers, steers the course of Dutch science by means of research programmes and by managing the national knowledge infrastructure.